Nicolas Pépé signs new deal with Villarreal, extending stay until 2028

Nicolas Pépé has committed his future to Villarreal CF, signing a contract extension that will keep him at the Spanish club until June 2028.

The Ivorian international, who initially joined Villarreal on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, has agreed to a two-year extension ahead of schedule.

With one year remaining on his original deal, Pépé’s decision to renew early underlines both his satisfaction at the club and Villarreal’s belief in his continued contribution to their project.

The extension was officially announced by the club, confirming that Pépé will continue to wear the yellow shirt for at least three more seasons.

The 29-year-old winger quickly established himself as a key figure in Marcelino García Toral’s squad following his arrival from Arsenal last year.

In his debut campaign with the Yellow Submarine, Pépé featured in 28 matches across all competitions, amassing 1,496 minutes on the pitch.

He scored three goals and delivered six assists, playing a pivotal role in Villarreal’s late-season push for Champions League qualification.

His performances, particularly in the final months, earned praise for their consistency and impact, reaffirming his value after a turbulent period in his career.

Having struggled to meet expectations in the Premier League after a high-profile move to Arsenal from Lille, Pépé’s switch to La Liga has marked a return to form.

Under Marcelino’s leadership, he has thrived in a more structured and balanced system, offering width, creativity, and experience on the flanks.

Born in Mantes-la-Jolie, France, and representing Côte d’Ivoire internationally, Pépé has long been known for his pace, technical ability, and attacking flair.

His journey has seen him move through some of Europe’s top leagues, and his current spell in Spain appears to have brought a renewed sense of stability and purpose.

Villarreal’s decision to secure his services until 2028 also reflects their commitment to building a team capable of competing on both domestic and European fronts.

With ambitions of re-establishing themselves among La Liga’s elite, retaining experienced, high-quality players like Pépé is seen as a key step in that process.

The club’s sporting management has viewed Pépé’s integration as a success story — from his role in crucial fixtures to his leadership in the dressing room.

As Villarreal look ahead to the 2025/26 season, they will do so with a reinforced sense of continuity and clarity in their attacking setup.

Pépé’s early extension removes any uncertainty about his future and allows both player and club to focus on the challenges ahead.

With a solid first year behind him and a long-term commitment now in place, the Ivorian winger appears well-positioned to play an even greater role in Villarreal’s ambitions over the coming

Confirmadas las próximas temporadas. pic.twitter.com/N64XQul1lw

— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) July 16, 2025

seasons.